Mainz on the Move into a new era

After Mainz experienced strong economic growth and a strengthening of the “houses" in the 13th and 14th centuries, growing tensions arose from the 14th century onward. Guilds, patricians and the archbishop were in a bitter dispute. The city lost its leading economic role to Frankfurt and was heavily in debt.

In the middle of the 15th century, the archbishop finally asserted himself against the citizens as city ruler and ensured a renewed upswing of the city. The buildings of wealthy citizens and families were decorated with elaborate architectural sculptures, such as the house Madonnas, typical of Mainz. Art and science were supported and the University of Mainz was founded in 1477. Johannes Gensfleisch, known as Gutenberg, invented printing with movable type, ushering in a new era.